Thoughts, feelings, and testimony shared on this blog are solely those belonging to me and do not necessarily represent the beliefs and doctrines of the LDS faith. I am, however, an active member of the church and strive to do that which is morally correct and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

The Truth About Galatians 1:6-9 Re-examined - A Christians Perspective

Pre-message conclusion. The doctrine of circumcision was a hot topic and the cause of heated debates between Paul and Peter. Most Christians like to use this passage of Galatians 1:6-9 to disqualify the claims made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding any and all Angels from being trust worthy or for preaching a different gospel, then to hence, "from such turn away." But with close examination of Galatians, we discover the true reasons why Paul said what he did. Enjoy the article. (This was written by a Christian and is unaware, potentially, that his works have been quoted. I draw conclusions to my own assessment of this scripture passage based on his research. But use this and perhaps do you own research as well! Enjoy!

"Perverting the Gospel" by Larry Ray Hafley

For years, denominational preachers and brethren such as LeRoy Garrett and the Carl Ketcherside have argued that we may have differing views of "doctrinal matters," but that we must agree on the essential elements of "the gospel." In other words, one group may play a piano in worship and another may not; one might practice sprinkling while another church insists on immersion. Such "doctrinal issues" are irrelevant. However, they say, we must agree upon the "essentials" of the gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ). Let us examine this subject in light of Acts 15 and Galatians 1 and 2.
Paul spoke of those who would "pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:6-9). When they do so, he said, they are preaching "another gospel." Further, when the gospel is perverted, when "another gospel" is substituted, the result is that souls are "removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 1 Cor. 1:9; and Gal. 3:1; 5:7).

According to the distinction under review, by "perverting" the gospel and preaching "another," Paul must have had reference to a perversion of the facts of the gospel, i.e., the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. If it be true that the gospel consists of those primary facts alone, while everything else is "doctrine," then the apostle must have been referring to a corruption of those basic gospel features. But was he? No, and here is why:

(1) The specific corruption of the gospel is outlined in Acts 15 when "certain men...said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved" (v. 1; Cf. Gal. 2; 5:1- 4). When they did this, the apostles said, "certain (men)...have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment" (Acts 15:24). In the Galatian letter, Paul agreed that the effect of their "doctrine" was indeed subversive of their souls. "Ye are," he charged, "fallen from grace" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 5:4).

Thus, one could teach "doctrinal" error (circumcision, law keeping) and still be guilty of perverting the "gospel." But how is that possible if the gospel only consists of three basic facts while all else is doctrine? Those who make that distinction between gospel and doctrine need to tell us!

(2) When the apostles refuted the binding of circumcision, they did so "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Gal. 2:5). Observe, that to deny the doctrinal error of circumcision was to establish "the truth of the gospel." How, though, could that be possible, if the gospel is simply Christ crucified, buried and risen? If the doctrinal error of circumcision had been tolerated, the gospel would not have continued. That being so, those who distinguish between "gospel" and "doctrine" are guilty of making a false dichotomy.

(3) Peter's separation from the Gentiles caused him to walk "not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:14). However, if association with the Gentiles involves "doctrinal" matters only, and not issues of the "gospel," how could his behavior be said to be contrary "to the truth of the gospel"? Peter certainly did not deny the "core" gospel facts, yet he walked not "according to the truth of the gospel."

Conclusion: The "doctrinal" error of circumcision resulted in a perversion of the "gospel" and negated the saving power of the "cross" (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1; 5:1-4, 7, 11; 6:12-14). Therefore, it is not true that we may be in error in doctrine and remain true in the gospel.
Refer to: http://www.bassfishing.org/thebiblespeaks/Articles/Authority/Obey/perverting.htm

If one would consider a faulty interpretation of Gal 1:6-9, then it erroneously could also apply to the Angel Gabriel, why by definition came to Joseph and Mary (not leaders in the Jewish Faith) and spoke of a Messiah who should come, but would later prove to bring to the world a "different gospel!"